Motorcycle and Scooter appreciation

Looks like you can take that whole lot off and stick a pair of clip-ons back on (they go above the top yoke) Save some weight too!

Yes I could do. I have the original top yoke.

I can’t remember if the clip-ons are in the box of parts that came with the bike, but I was planning to put straight bars on it for the time being, as I much prefer neutral geometry before I go back to stock.

No clip-ons in the box. Maybe sold on already.

They’re so cheap to buy on eBay - no big deal. Is the original top yoke still on there? Underneath the billet bit for the flat bar conversion?

Clip ons are part of the fun.

So, the bike has the conversion top yoke to allow for regular bars. In the box of parts is the original top yoke without bar clamps. Not sure if anything was changed for longer lines to work with these taller longer bars.

Will have a think about it. I’ll be happier to transition to clip-on after riding straight bars a while. They’ll be lower and further forward than these Renthal risers, but not as low or fun as clip-on.

Sweet - I bet the brake lines and throttle cables will be longer. Usually not a problem to have slightly too long lines if you swap back; you might need to play with the routing. If you're not fussed about having OEM clip ons you can get every variety of angle and lift imaginable off ebay. I got a set of 1" rise Chinese numbers for the Duke for about $40 and am pretty impressed.

Is it getting any warmer yet for a proper spin?

Yea, lots of options. I have seen some amazing videos of cheap clip-ons breaking mid-ride (track days etc) and the riders going one-handed to a stop. Not sure that’s my jam.

Well, I cycling on the MTB so far this week I’ve gone without a beanie and unzipped my jacket. Could swing the other way again by the weekend though!

I wouldn't stress - people are doofuses about overtightening pinch bolts and trying to bend straight crashed stuff rather than replace it. It's just a chunk of billet with a bar through it. I replaced the ones on the Duc because the OEM ones broke.

I've got a right old throb on for a CRF450X now....but I reeeeeally don't want to sell my XR. Not sure I can justify both...and it's a beast finding good Xs that are street legal, which I definitely want. I should probably just ride what I have and shut up.

people are doofuses about overtightening pinch bolts

when you remove forks and see the clamps have deformed the tubes.

Is it a top yoke conversation or the top yolk off the x11?

Jota bars? https://www.mandp.co.uk/products/chrome-jota-bars-7-8-inch-22mm-558878

Not sure, will check when I get the bike out later. It’s a set of proper Renthal risers, not Jota’s or anything.

I should probably just ride what I have and shut up.

Can’t imagine that any bike will satisfy me like the DR350 does.

Don’t sell the XR, you’ll only buy another one.

My heart jumps when I see the word Jota!

I've got a right old throb on for a CRF450X now

What year are you looking at? I'd hazard a guess that it might perform better being EFI, but possibly not as special? I can't imagine the big red pig is any different, but the 450L is very well put together.

Price wise, likely 05-09. They seem to have made only very minor changes up until ‘18 anyway. They’re all carbed models, would prefer EFI but not a big deal.

California might be on the menu for me in the near future. Anyone has any experience importing motorbikes from Europe? I'd be keen to bring the Duc.

Yes. Sell it and buy one here - registering anything in CA without US or CA emissions stickers is not possible.

Meh!

Sucks, sorry fella. I took all the paperwork from CARB (California air resources board) that regulates sale of new vehicles for emissions and the sodding DMV still refused to register my bike without the poxy sticker.

I'll have the company look into this a bit closer when I decide to take them up on their offer.

Since they're potentially paying for the move, I'd rather include the Duc when I can.

Thanks!

If anyone was wondering, this is the unit on the top yoke. It’s almost like a regular top but with a few threaded holes on top. Flat-bottom spacer for bottom and then rounded top clamp.

Ditched the Renthals for my spare old straights, and went out to Stroud and back for a 60 mile test run.

Yea, it goes alright. Amazing to break every speed limit at a little bit above idle. Barely managed to find roads long or straight enough to get over 6k in any gear.

Proper behemoth when static, and the turning circle is that of a walrus, so it is taking some time to get out of “I can flick this through that 90°” mentality.

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I was in the same situation - it's just not possible I'm afraid. I sold my GSXR in London before I moved here. The situation I mentioned above was for a bike registered in Oregon, not even outside the US.

You can't register any foreign vehicles in CA, only those originally sold for use in the US, with US VIN numbers and the correct EPA / CARB emissions labels on the bike. There's some sort of exemption for vehicles over 25 years old but from what I know, it's still a total nightmare to get a CA plate for them, even if you can get them into the country.

As a small upside, I'll wager you'll probably find used Ducati prices more reasonable here...even if 1098 / 1198s are a bit thin on the ground!

Surprised they only went EFI in 2019, thought a newer one might be on the cards but guess it'll feel slightly more modern than the CR250. Can imagine it being a very hard decision to sell the XR.

It's weird, the 450R went EFI much earlier.

I dunno - the problem with the CR is that it's not great for desert - runs out of gears too quick and 1st is too long once you gear it up. It's pretty much for short blasts and pratting around on the vet track occasionally. The XR is great for open desert but super hard work on anything more technical. Something like yours would be perfect!